Tip of the Week – Wet for Success

Use creeks and small streams to your advantage, especially when hunting public land. It has always amazed me how the smallest of obstacles can deter the average hunter. A stream that goes above ankle deep will likely separate you from 75% of the other hunters that use public land. As the water gets deeper the likelihood of isolation increases. If you have to resort to hip boots or chest waders chances are you will be alone once you reach the other side.

Another note about creeks and streams. Always consider them as a potential approach to a hunting stand or blind. Using a creek or drainage has two big advantages when used as an conduit to your hunting location. 1) Usually a water way will be lower than the surrounding terrain. This can keep your noise contained and reduce your visible profile. 2) Water can control odor. By walking in low water you reduce the amount of scent you are leaving behind. If you plan to use a creek or drainage as an access route, be sure to navigate the waterway long before season. Carry a set of pruning shears and/or a limb saw to clear obstacles. This will ensure you can navigate with little or no noise. By removing foliage you might contact, you also reduce the amount of scent you will leave behind. – Steve

Brannon with a nice public land buck taken by gaining isolation using a swollen creek

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2 Comments

I usually take shortcuts through water when hunting small game, but that’s more to avoid the sound of crunching leaves. I’ll also never forget wading into a small creek on a cold morning, thinking I would be stealthy… then feeling water seep through holes in my rubber boots!

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